Darius the Great: Biography of the Persian Ruler during the Achaemenid Empire

Darius ascended to power through a complex and controversial process. He orchestrated the assassination of Bardiya, the rightful heir to the throne, whom he claimed to be an impostor named Gaumata. Once in power, Darius turned his attention to strengthening and expanding the empire. One of the defining episodes of his reign was his campaign against Greece. This effort aimed to punish Athens and Eretria for their involvement in the Ionian Revolt. Although his forces suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of Marathon, Darius achieved notable victories elsewhere. He successfully reasserted Persian control over Thrace, annexed Macedon, and subjugated the Cyclades and the island of Naxos. His campaign also saw the destruction of Eretria, a Greek city.